Small Boat - Big Dreams
Following the call of the sea
I came across an article recently that hit home in a big way. It took me right back 40 years to the time when I bought my own little 18ft sailboat. Like the guy in the article, I taught myself to sail and had big dreams of crossing oceans. Life had other ideas for me, though—things didn’t quite pan out as I hoped. But the man in this story? He made it happen. He’s out there, living the dream.
Times have changed since then, and I sometimes wonder if what I did back in the day is still possible now. This story is proof that it is. It reminded me of what’s possible when you follow the call of the sea. And it made me smile.
Nicholas Manthos is an adventurous young sailor who has captured the attention of sailing enthusiasts around the world. At just 26 years old, he undertook the remarkable challenge of crossing the Atlantic Ocean in a small 18-foot sailboat named 1/4 Life Crisis. This journey not only showcased his determination but also highlighted the spirit of adventure that many dream about.
The Beginning of an Adventure
Nicholas hails from Stuttgart, Germany, and was already an experienced paraglider before he ventured into sailing. His journey began when he purchased a Hurley 18 sailboat, which he named 1/4 Life Crisis—a playful nod to his age and the unconventional path he was taking. Friends suggested the name as a joke, but it resonated with him as he embarked on this new chapter in his life. After buying the boat for around €3,000, Nicholas transported it to Greece on a trailer. There, he spent time refitting and preparing it for his ambitious Atlantic crossing. He installed essential equipment such as a stove for cooking, a battery for power, and a small solar panel to keep it charged. He also stocked up on nautical charts and GPS devices for navigation.
Learning to Sail
Before setting off on his Atlantic adventure, Nicholas took to the Mediterranean waters to practise sailing. He cruised around Greece with a friend who had a sailing license. This experience proved invaluable as they practiced anchoring and night sailing. Nicholas found joy in learning how to handle the boat and felt increasingly confident about his upcoming journey.
Crossing the Atlantic
On May 2, 2023, Nicholas set sail from Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, aiming for Antigua in the Caribbean. He expected the journey to take about 30 days, and Nicholas was well-prepared for the challenges ahead. During the crossing, Nicholas adapted to life on the open water as he faced various weather conditions. He had provisions for up to 60 days at sea and brought along plenty of books to keep himself entertained. He described some days as exhilarating, particularly when he covered over 100 nautical miles in just one day, thanks to favourable winds. His best day saw him travelling an impressive 125 nautical miles! Despite being alone at sea for long stretches, Nicholas found solace in his surroundings. He embraced the peacefulness of the ocean and enjoyed watching sunsets while reflecting on life. While there were moments of loneliness, he discovered he thrived in solitude.
Challenges Along the Way
Like any adventure, Nicholas’s journey was not without its challenges. One notable incident involved a broken forestay—a crucial part of the rigging that helps support the mast. Fortunately, Nicholas had prepared a spare beforehand, which allowed him to hoist a backup jib with no need to climb the mast. Throughout his voyage, he remained vigilant about potential dangers, such as shipping containers and storms. However, he managed these challenges with careful planning and quick thinking. His background in extreme sports helped him maintain composure during tense moments at sea.
This YouTube video about his voyage is well worth watching.
There’s also a blog worth visiting (in German)
Returning Home
After successfully reaching Antigua and enjoying some time in the Caribbean, Nicholas sailed 1/4 Life Crisis back across the Atlantic to Europe. This return trip further solidified his love for sailing and adventure. Upon returning home, he reflected on his experiences and realised that he wanted more from his sailing journey. Inspired by his adventures so far, Nicholas began preparing for an even larger undertaking: a round-the-world trip starting in November 2025.
The Future Awaits
Nicholas has since acquired a Class 40 sailboat named Cheekytatoo, which is better suited for long-distance voyages than his previous boat. Currently, he is focusing on preparing this new vessel for future adventures while sharing his experiences with fellow sailors and aspiring adventurers. Nicholas Manthos embodies the spirit of exploration and reminds us that, with determination and preparation, even seemingly impossible journeys can become reality. In conclusion, Nicholas’s journey aboard 1/4 Life Crisis is more than just a tale of crossing an ocean; it’s about self-discovery, resilience, and embracing life’s challenges head-on. As he looks forward to fresh adventures on Cheekytatoo, we can all take a page from his book—sometimes life’s greatest rewards come from stepping out of our comfort zones and daring to chase our dreams on the open sea.
And here’s something else to consider. Nicholas had a serious accident 10 years ago. He survived, but the accident left him blind in one eye. He has said of his new project “I also want to give something back and help people who can not afford medical care”.
You can read more about the project HERE.
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